Customer Reviews

Against the Panzers: United States Infantry Versus German Tanks, 1944-1945: A History of Eight Battles Told Through Diaries, Unit Histories

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Professional soldiers may get more out of this than the general reader, but close attention to the descriptions of the squad and platoon actions are rewarding. The importance of pre-planning, of coordinating different weapons systems, and of aggressive "upfront" leadership all come through. Another reviewer comments on the maps; yes, sometimes the text references locations the reader can't find, but they may be due to an inability of the authors to reconcile conflicting testimony between the participants and the official records. Given how few maps show up in military history books these days, I'd give the publisher a lot of credit for their efforts here. The style varies somewhat from section to section, but not so much as to detract from the value of the book.

This is not a book for the person looking for an easy reading, entertaining tale of US companies in action against German armor units. Rather, a number of various actions are analyzed in exhaustive detail. The maps can be very helpful at times (in one case tracing the path of a Bazooka-armed GI stalking a panzer) and not so useful in other cases. However, many maps are provided unlike other books of this type. I'd say that the target audience for this book is the serious military reader who wants more detail than the casual war story reader. Engineers, artillery, and anti-tank gun activities get covered pretty well.

This is obviously well researched and has plenty of detail - too much, in fact. Be prepared to be bombarded with unit numbers right off the bat. Not light reading, this is only for the serious researcher used to taking copious notes while reading...

Against the Panzers is a superb book. It gives wonderfully detailed accounts of American infantry units (sometimes with tank destroyer support) in the Northwest Europe theatre facing down the formidable panzer units of the Wehrmacht, usually with vastly inferior anti-tank weapons such as the 57 mm AT gun. That they often (but not always)emerged victorious from these engagements (Mortain, Twin Villages of Krinkelt/Rocharath in the Ardennes and Elsenborn Ridge,) is a testament to their courage and determination in the face of horrendous odds.

A great read for military history buffs.

Very confusing describing unit dispositions and movements.had to continue to turn back to maps which were not too helpful due to large areas depicted.(Referred to houses etc not on map)

I thought that I would read about individual situations of 57mm crews and rifle companies against panzers. Got too much our tanks and TD's.

See Citizen Soldier book.more about poor line company GI's.